Best Bike Ever?

[GRR]

I've seen reported in many places, sentiments by bikers that the Valkyrie (1500) was maybe the best bike ever made. I'm curious what folks consider to be features or characteristics that lead to this assertion.

I don't want to start a debate whether it is or isn't, I'm really interested to learn what others consider to features that put it above other contenders. And I'm comparing these 20 yr old machines to current bikes.

I'll start,  with things that are unique to this bike, (leaving out obvious things like Honda quality, parts availability, dealer network, etc):

Pro
Engine with enough torque to carry passengers & gear without compromise
Low-vibration engine that limits rider fatigue
Generally easy and capable handling
Easy to do tune-ups
Big enough to be comfy for most rider sizes and ample room for passengers
Excellent wind protection (Interstate)
Acceptable wired audio and intercom
Snappy acceleration for a cruiser
Nice factory saddlebags
Relatively inexpensive parts
Market value is rising

Con
Engine cramps foot position
Weak brakes
Clunky shifting
Harsh suspension
Heavy low-speed handling that requires wide bars for leverage
Annoying drone at freeway speed
Not any faster than other big cruisers
Excessive gas consumption for hp delivered
Hard to fill gas w/o spilling
Tough to sync 6 carbs w/o special tools
Difficult to replace air filter
Difficult to replace alternator
No center stand, which makes for harder maintenance
Not easy to adapt audio to new tech
Some parts getting harder to replace
Market value is rising

[mello dude]

I've seen reported in many places, sentiments by bikers that the Valkyrie (1500) was maybe the best bike ever made.

I do think the Valk is the best cruiser bike ever made. But saying its the best bike ever is like asking whats the best beer.. (I like quite a few of them)  - For example, the Valk is not really a good sport bike or adventure bike...Why only have one flavor? -- I admit I like all kinds of bikes and have the MBD... If its 2 wheels its cool... I currently lust for that Indian FTR1200...

-Wait, values are going up?

[Jess from VA]

A number of your assertions are simply wrong.

The brakes are outstanding in a heavy bike (multiple objective reports confirmed it too)

The suspension is not harsh.

It does not have heavy low speed handling at all (assuming you know how to ride and have some practice on the bike).  All top heavy, higher center of gravity big twins are worse.

It is faster than most big cruisers.  

Not all parts are relatively inexpensive  

Market value is not rising.

It is not hard to fill with gas without spilling (if you're not drunk).

It does have clunky shifting, but the square cut gears that make it clunky (and whiny) are rock solid and go 600,000+ miles with no transmission issues at all. (unlike any Harley ever made)

The other points are valid.

Almost none of us hate our bikes.  

[h13man]

Weak brakes, you better fix them. It was 4th best in the braking distance than any bike that was tested at that time. (http://geezerwithagrudge.blogspot.com/2011/10/whats-with-stopping-distance-tests.html) Gas mileage, My 1600 FI Vulcan gets 35 mpg. at best. My Valk gets 37 mpg. on average and 41 mpg. on a nice easy ride two up in the country. Suspension and ergonomics' are the best I've ever ridden and I like the standard sitting position for about 300 mi. but I'm pushing 70 and with the 2000'-2003' stock seat upgrade  (weatherpending) hopefully be the teets for my old ass. The exhaust tips are responsible for tinny annoying sound @ 60 mph. Wide open slash cuts cures that issue with the stock exhaust though the previous owner cut my piggy's but I love the roar of the Dragon and it's noisy gear whine. Sounds like a P51 Mustang. LOL

[Relax]

I have had my Valk,standard since 2005 & 150 000 km....mostly 2 up.
The only downside worth mentioning about the bike, as I see it, is the rather low max load capacity.
2 up it is only 25-30 kg left to the max load.
IF it was contructed for some higher weight, maybe the rear shock absorpers / suspension would last longer also.

On the fun account, I'd say a sixth gear and ABS brakes

[Smokinjoe-VRCCDS#0005]

I'd say a sixth gear

If I only had a $1.00 for everytime I went for that 6th gear.

[mello dude]

On the fun account, I'd say a sixth gear.......

I wonder if a taller gear set could be made?

[The emperor has no clothes]

On the fun account, I'd say a sixth gear.......

I wonder if a taller gear set could be made?

I remember someone did. It didn't work out well. Not strong enough, if I remember correctly.

[98valk]

On the fun account, I'd say a sixth gear.......

I wonder if a taller gear set could be made?

use search was addressed in detail.  I use CT 205/65-16 lowers rpms by 200.  the now discontinued taxi tire lowered rpms by 300.

or swap in the '97-00 Goldwing 5th gear, its more OD than the valkyrie 5th gear.

or the Italian OD gear set.
http://www.bigbf.com/bigbf_shop/transmission/final.htm

[Relax]

Heyyy!!!!

None of you commented on low total weight!?
I am sure I am not th only one ridig with "illegal" , high weight!

[Hyde]

If it weren't for the mileage I could never see myself riding anything else. Low 20s when you're boogying puts a damper on the range though.

[pancho]

Mine used to get a solid 30.5 MPG and I thought it was running good. After several trips through the carbs and much better carburetor tuning, 36+ MPG.

[ridingron]

I'm kinda new around here. But, I looked at the Mario gear set years ago for my buddy's 'Wing. For Touring bikes, the 1500 'Wing and the Valk have terrible range. A bigger tank or better MPG would be great. I would prefer the latter. I'm just wondering if his better numbers were on a 'Wing and the plastic body works helped with aerodynamics compared to a Valk with everything just hanging out there?  

Anyone remember the ratio for Mario's 4th and 5th compared to a 'Wing and compared to a Valk?

... or swap in the '97-00 Goldwing 5th gear, its more OD than the valkyrie 5th gear.

Sounds like he went a little too high on the ratio change. If it was higher than the 'Wing, probably too high for the Valk. Anyone swap the 'Wing gears into a Valk? I don't have the room, time, money or expertise to do it myself to chase a few MPG. If I needed an engine swapped out, then maybe.

[Bighead]

If you bought a valkyrie for fuel
Mileage then you bought is for the wrong reason. They get decent to good mpgs but I have NEVER once thought I would get stellar mpgs. If that is what want buy a 2010 street glide. I did qne it got 55 mpgs at any speed but would not pull a greasy string out of
A cats ass.

[cookiedough]

not one cycle does it all best, but our 20 year old bikes are still in the top 10 IMO.

not the fastest, not the comfiest, not the best mpg, but who cares, is still BETTER in all categories more so than any cycle nowadays for the price paid.  It is probably for me the closest to most comfy and it just fits me well is key to me.

I was going to buy a newer 2014 ctx700 Vtwinky but after driving it, the seat is too small, or more so too far forward to fit me, plus the constant lugging of engine having to be in EXACT right gear at all times is annoying.   Yah,  my thought on it at first was GREAT mpg over 60 and fuel injected, plus newer hopefully more longevity?

[Bighead]

You rode
It you didnt DRIVE it.
I dont know why this bothers me so much.  But nobody has ever Driven or Drove a MC. YOU RIDE a MC you DRIVE  a car.

[mello dude]

You rode
It you didnt DRIVE it.
I dont know why this bothers me so much.  But nobody has ever Driven or Drove a MC. YOU RIDE a MC you DRIVE  a car.

Agree with that.. kinda like it gives me a wedgie over someone writing they worked on the breaks instead of brakes. (AAAHHH! I engineered brakes for 10 years.) Bleah!

[Bighead]

You rode
It you didnt DRIVE it.
I dont know why this bothers me so much.  But nobody has ever Driven or Drove a MC. YOU RIDE a MC you DRIVE  a car.

Agree with that.. kinda like it gives me a wedgie over someone writing they worked on the breaks instead of brakes. (AAAHHH! I engineered brakes for 10 years.) Bleah!

It is like someone saying they have a 15rnd  clip for their gun it is a MAGAZINE.

[Glaserbeam]

GRR, I agree with almost all your pros and cons.

I've addressed a couple of the cons by:

1) Foot position:  installed peg relocation kit ($100) - 1" lower, 1" farther forward (it also allows 2" farther forward), allows my legs to stretch out a bit more without much compromise in cornering clearance. 
2) Center stand: installed aftermarket (~$300).
3) Annoying drone:  installed triple tips - but first i wrapped the piggies in muffler packing, then put some muffler packing and wire mesh (to hold in the packing) inside the triple tips near the outlet. 

Ken

[pais]

    I love my '97!
    I've had a few bikes in my life. This one is the smoothest and most comfy. Zero vibes through the foot pegs and handgrips. Riding position is fine. (couldn't live w/o my Ultimate backrest).
    Engine is wonderful! Never have to search for power, always there. Can't agree enough with Bighead, the Valk and EVERY other bike I've owned. Never once gave a thought to gas mileage in my buying decisions. With my Valk when I'm traveling, I fill up more often. So what! Small price to pay for soooo much fun and enjoyment!
   
    Reliability actually factored into my buying decision. Valk being a GW offspring made it a simple decision.
   When this showed up in my mail box. I looked at it and said, "why would anyone want a stripped down GW?" Only took me 15yrs to come to my senses!
   http://www.vintagecycleprints.com/backissues/motorcyclist/9604mc.JPG
   Lastly, during an after work ride last week, while running a few errands. Ran into a couple gents. One was a previous owner that said, "wish I would have never sold mine. Best bike I ever owned." Second guy commented, "what a beautiful bike." Surely not why I bought it. Must say, once I rode it, finding one became an obsession. They are a beautiful bike but, that's just a cherry on top. I'm big on function. Guess that's why vanilla is my favorite ice cream.
   
  but only if it had a 6th gear.............................
     

[_Sheffjs_]

Picked my first one up in 2012 and the addiction has only gotten worse- or better    6th gear like mentioned - yep and now seeing parts not produced and no place to buy new is scary. 

[cookiedough]

You rode
It you didnt DRIVE it.
I dont know why this bothers me so much.  But nobody has ever Driven or Drove a MC. YOU RIDE a MC you DRIVE  a car.

Agree with that.. kinda like it gives me a wedgie over someone writing they worked on the breaks instead of brakes. (AAAHHH! I engineered brakes for 10 years.) Bleah!

It is like someone saying they have a 15rnd  clip for their gun it is a MAGAZINE.

Anal?   

[h13man]

With all the responses to the OP who has 12 posts and quite obviously doesn't know much about a Valk or how to spell, we  called this "Trolling" on Honda Shadow Network.

[..]

With all the responses to the OP who has 12 posts and quite obviously doesn't know much about a Valk or how to spell, we  called this "Trolling" on Honda Shadow Network.

He's been around since Dec 2016.

[The emperor has no clothes]

With all the responses to the OP who has 12 posts and quite obviously doesn't know much about a Valk or how to spell, we  called this "Trolling" on Honda Shadow Network.

I thought it was a good post. And I didn't see any spelling errors.  ???

[h13man]

My bad on the "brake" spelling but the callout in the "Cons" on the brakes was shear bull crap and quite few other items listed.

[Alberta Patriot]

A number of your assertions are simply wrong.

The brakes are outstanding in a heavy bike (multiple objective reports confirmed it too)

The suspension is not harsh.

It does not have heavy low speed handling at all (assuming you know how to ride and have some practice on the bike).  All top heavy, higher center of gravity big twins are worse.

It is faster than most big cruisers.  

Not all parts are relatively inexpensive  

Market value is not rising.

It is not hard to fill with gas without spilling (if you're not drunk).

It does have clunky shifting, but the square cut gears that make it clunky (and whiny) are rock solid and go 600,000+ miles with no transmission issues at all. (unlike any Harley ever made)

The other points are valid.

Almost none of us hate our bikes.  

Right out of the Gate...I like my I/S a lot...however:
Compared to my last 2 bikes(both Yamaha Stratoliners)
Power...the Yamaha has a slight edge
My I/S front suspension is very harsh at speed.(Gold Valve Emulators would fix that) compared..again to the Yamaha.
The Brakes..so so, again my Yamaha used 4 piston calipers up front...far better stopping power.
Center of gravity...I give the Yamaha the win...total weight of the aluminum frame and swing arm...48 pounds. Pushrod Valve gear(camshaft..etc.) at the axle line. 30% of the fuel under the seat. Dry sump engine with no oil pan allows lower engine positioning..etc.
Market Value..?...both bikes are no longer built.
Ease of maintenance...Yamaha...No issue fuel injection, belt drive good for more than 50K miles, with a simple change out.(Gates Belt under $150) Rear Tire R&R...under an hour.(wheel alignment tool an asset)
Air filter...both under the tank...a pain. Oil Filter...both easy access. Spark Plugs...6 Vs 4(2 per Cyl.)
Overall handling, both excellent, but different. The different geometry means more steering input req'd for the Yamaha.
Fuel Consumption Scenic Byway Touring...Valkyrie-Consistant 33-35MPG Vs Yamaha-45-47MPG.
Reliability...got stranded twice with alternator issues on the Valk. The second one was my fault...I shudda bought a new OEM replacement after the first failure. Now that I have new wheel bearings, U-joint and alternator...I'm thinking it should have top drawer reliability.(knock on wood...Chit happens)
The Yamahas...never an issue, BUT both were sold with under 40K miles. Valkyrie U-Joint and Alternator issues @ just under 60K miles.
If I had to choose either bike again...a tie.
My next bike...something smaller, lighter, fuel injected and Metric...reality, I ain't getting any younger and parking lot maneuvering will eventually become an issue.

[Bagger John - #3785]

In the 70s, there was this concept of the Universal Japanese Motorcycle (UJM). Typically a large-displacement inline four. Think SOHC 750, KZ900 and successors.

You could build them into whatever you wanted. I chopped some, bobbed a couple, made a touring bike out of one. They saw duty as police motors, hill climbers, road racers, cafe racers...

Then motorcycling began to specialize. The Magna, Ninja and similar forks in the road took us to places we couldn't easily return from. It's hard to chop a pure sport bike, and the overall layout of a V-Max just doesn't lend itself to being anything but a cruiser.

A decade or so later we arrived at the Valkyrie. Honda attempted to take a touring driveline and incorporate it into a more universal offering. Function dictated form in this case, and this is how it ended up with the running gear which supports the motor.

Naturally, you have the bean counters involved in the manufacturing end of things...profit maximization and all. Better quality than OEM forks and shocks can be fitted, and I'd wager the calipers could possibly be swapped with Performance Machine or similar 4-piston offerings. The braking system can also be upgraded with stainless steel lines...as can the clutch.

Etc.

I addressed the range issue on my Tourer with the addition of an I/S tank, ICM, carb springs and other tuning. My I/S, on the other hand, sucks gas like popcorn but has no problems with 5th-gear wheelies at speed.

At the end of the day, though, they're still cruisers and will drag pegs a lot sooner than my Connies will. And I damn sure won't be taking them too far off road; that's the role of a future Super Adventure or the like. All said, my Valkyries aren't going anywhere unless it's beneath my butt. 

[mrpeter]

My Valk gets 37 mpg. on average and 41 mpg.

How do I get my valk to give me 41mpg? Last I checked I got just over 30, and I thought that was amazing for this engine!

[Bighead]

You rode
It you didnt DRIVE it.
I dont know why this bothers me so much.  But nobody has ever Driven or Drove a MC. YOU RIDE a MC you DRIVE  a car.

Agree with that.. kinda like it gives me a wedgie over someone writing they worked on the breaks instead of brakes. (AAAHHH! I engineered brakes for 10 years.) Bleah!

It is like someone saying they have a 15rnd  clip for their gun it is a MAGAZINE.

Anal?   

About some things. Yes

[msb]

but would not pull a greasy string out of
A cats ass.

Bighead, you do seem to come up with some good ones on here... this is one of your best  

One thing nobody's mentioned, which I think is the biggest Pro for the 1500  Valk... it's just so unique from any other bike and has got more "sole" than other bikes I've owned or ridden over the past 45 years or so. It's fast enough and handles good enough for me, has been ultra reliable over the 18 years I've owned it, and the miles of smiles I still get every chance I have to ride just can't be beat  

[Glaserbeam]

My first year of riding - 1975 - I rode 6,000 miles (Honda CB360G).  From then through 2016, even with all the other ever-bigger-and-better bikes I've owned (nine total), my annual miles kept decreasing until I was down to 1,500 miles a year on two wheels.  Now, for each of the two years I've owned this Valk, I'm back up to 6,000 miles per year.  I HATE to leave it in my garage!  Yes, it has "soul" - not "sole," MSB, unless that's what you've caught in the Fraser River and filled your saddlebags with

[msb]

My first year of riding - 1975 - I rode 6,000 miles (Honda CB360G).  From then through 2016, even with all the other ever-bigger-and-better bikes I've owned (nine total), my annual miles kept decreasing until I was down to 1,500 miles a year on two wheels.  Now, for each of the two years I've owned this Valk, I'm back up to 6,000 miles per year.  I HATE to leave it in my garage!  Yes, it has "soul" - not "sole," MSB, unless that's what you've caught in the Fraser River and filled your saddlebags with

lol.... you got me on that typo. Yes, they have SOUL. No "sole" in the Fraser and definitely wouldn't want them anywhere near the bike

[h13man]

My Valk gets 37 mpg. on average and 41 mpg.

How do I get my valk to give me 41mpg? Last I checked I got just over 30, and I thought that was amazing for this engine!

That mpg. was using 87 Shell pure gasoline w/o ethanol and going about 55 mph. average two up. Don't usually travel that slow but it occasionally happens. So far this year (150 mi.) 35 mpg. The rain hasn't let up and the temps have been unseasonably cool.

[Bagger John - #3785]

My Valk gets 37 mpg. on average and 41 mpg.

How do I get my valk to give me 41mpg? Last I checked I got just over 30, and I thought that was amazing for this engine!

If a Tourer or Standard, swap the ICM for one from an Interstate.

Make sure ALL hoses, valves, plumbing, O-rings and seals associated with fuel and air delivery are in good order and don't leak. Make sure the air filter element isn't dirty; replace if clogged.

Sync the carbs.

The other things I did with my Tourers and Standard...replace the carb slide springs with their I/S equivalents, swap the pilot jets for #38s (and re-adjust the air screws) and replace the jet needles with Cobra or Dyno-Jet parts.

My current Tourer is a CA-model '99 (with a different cam profile than the 49-state bikes) and after these mods it'll pull as hard as my '00 Tourer did. This bike routinely sees 42-43MPG @ 75MPH freeway speeds, all the while pushing a Memphis Shades Batwing and I/S trunk through the wind.

My current ('01) I/S gets low to mid 30MPG with the jet/jet needle mods, which is acceptable for its role - more of a day tripper at this point than a long-distance road rig.

[rug_burn]

I like the fact that in practical terms, you just can't wear the engine out.  You can neglect it, let the carbs gum up etc, but the engine itself is pretty damn bullet proof.

Also- it's comfortable as hell and you can bring a lot of stuff along with you in those 'bags'.

Yeah, it does weigh a ton, and the brakes are not like those on a sport bike.
 

[clanky]

I have only owned 1 bike. I bought my 98 Valk as a mid life crisis gift to myself. I've had it for 21 years. 135K and have the original alternator, water pump, universal joint, shocks, even rear end oil.  The carb tubing did rot off at the 17 year mark and I did a complete carb rebuild and used the DIGI sync device to tune after rebuild.  It's been a very reliable machine.  I retired last year and now ride it almost every day. One pro not mentioned was it's therapy attributes....seems to calm the nerves while smoothly going down the road!!!
My 2 cents.  Clanky

[98valk]

Yeah, it does weigh a ton, and the brakes are not like those on a sport bike.
 

actually the valkyrie is still in the top 10 of shortness braking distance 60-0 mph per motorcycle consumer news testing.

[MnM Valk 97]

One pro not mentioned was it's therapy attributes....seems to calm the nerves while smoothly going down the road!!!
Clanky

The best way to unwind on the way home from work - tho I regularly get in trouble for taking unusually circuitous routes and showing up late for dinner.  

[98valk]

One pro not mentioned was it's therapy attributes....seems to calm the nerves while smoothly going down the road!!!
Clanky

The best way to unwind on the way home from work - tho I regularly get in trouble for taking unusually circuitous routes and showing up late for dinner.  

we all know the Big Lady has a mind of her own.  She has taken me down interesting "posted no outlet" roads many times.